Microsoft announces Surface PRO pricing 64GB/$899, 128GB/$999

Although we’re still getting settled in with our Surface RT Tablet, Microsoft has finally dropped info on its pricier and more powerful big brother, the Surface Pro.

The 64GB version will go for $899 and you can double that with 128GB for a hundred more at $999. The Surface Pro for those unfamiliar runs the full version of Windows 8, meaning it can run Windows 7 desktop apps in addition to the new RT ones. It also has some more advanced hardware including the next-gen i5 processor, 10.6” 1920x1080 HD resolution, a USB 3.0 port and a mini-display port.

Those are some significant increases that should make the Pro a faster, more elegant solution for those who need more raw power in a tablet. In addition, you get the newfangled Surface pen for drawing/writing on that new high-resolution display (it includes “palm blocking technology” to make the experience even better).

Of course, that high pricing does not include either the Touch or Type covers, so you can add an extra $125 or so to that above price plus state tax, making the Surface PRO one expensive investment. On the other hand, you are getting a top quality device with what is sure to be high-priority support from Microsoft for years to come.

Release date for the Surface Pro is expected in January.

Update: Microsoft has added the Surface Pro to the Surface Website. The page confirms the pricing and the specifications for the Surface Pro.

Microsoft announces Surface PRO pricing 64GB/$899, 128GB/$999

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It definitely is a no-brainer and would be able to do whatever I expect from a laptop. The only thing I'm concerned about is the battery life, as 4.5 is sadly below from what I'd expect from it, so I'm hoping that the official numbers will be at least around 6-7-ish.
Plus I hope it will become available here as well since currently I couldn't even get an RT if I wanted to. Yay for living in central Europe.